NDS anticipates collecting 50,000 pounds of peanut butter and jelly by the end of the drive.

Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (NDS) will once again participate in Hunger Action Month by hosting its annual Peanut Butter and Jelly (PB&J) Drive.

In Pennsylvania, nearly 1.5 million people face food insecurity, or a lack of consistent access to sufficient food for an active, healthy lifestyle. NDS’ annual PB&J Drive helps to stock the shelves of 40-50 food cupboards located throughout the five-county metropolitan area and benefit those who do not have access to nutritious sustenance.

Ms. Brooke Mullen, MS, RDN, LDN, Assistant Director of Community Relations for NDS said, “Donations of peanut butter and jelly help support our neighbors in need by providing a filling, protein-rich source of nourishment. The peanut butter and jelly donated each fall stocks the shelves for many months at our cupboards, helping ensure a hearty option for individuals and families. We are grateful for the ongoing support of donors who continue to make a difference in the lives of many in our communities.”

Those interested in helping our neighbors in need can support NDS’ Community Food Program and the PB&J Drive by coordinating a collection, or by purchasing goods online through You Give Goods at https://yougivegoods.com/pbjdrive.

All goods donated now through Friday, October 25th will be distributed to NDS’ network of food cupboards throughout the Greater Philadelphia metropolitan area.

Hunger Action Month takes place each September. It is sponsored nationally by Feeding America and aims to raise awareness about hunger in our nation, and issue a call to action to support the hungry in our local communities.

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Editor’s Note: For over forty-five years, NDS’ mission has been to serve children and those in need with healthy food and food-related resources. NDS accomplishes its mission in two distinct ways: by administering the federally-funded child nutrition programs and through the privately supported Community Food Program. To learn more about Nutritional Development Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, please visit http://nutritionaldevelopmentservices.org/